Sustainable ways to construct a house are becoming increasingly popular due to the rising costs of building a new house in 2024. There are plenty of new methods that builders have been using to be more environmentally friendly. One of the latest innovations in this field is the Gablok house design. This revolutionary construction method uses a series of insulated wooden blocks as building blocks, along with beams and a customized floor system to help with the easy construction of a house.
A Revolutionary Insulated Wooden Home Kit
Founded in 2019 by Gabriel Lakatos, who had been involved in traditional construction for 25 years, Gablok offers a revolutionary insulated wooden home kit that allows you to build the exterior and interior walls of your wooden house. After several months of research and testing, this self-build house system has been validated by engineering offices that specialize in energy efficiency and acoustic performance.
Build Your Own House With Insulated Blocks
The Gablock building kit is supplied to the house construction site together with an exact installation plan. Once the insulated formwork blocks are assembled, you can complete the roof and external finishing with the finish of your choosing. The process of installing this kit is quick, and it doesn’t need to be dried out, meaning you don’t have to wait longer.
You will also avoid the additional waste associated with on-site processing because of the simple on-site assembly.
What Does The Gablok Construction Kit Include?
The Gablok concept allows for a self-build house system that includes:
- Rafter: A wooden element that holds the kit together.
- Flooring: This component fits onto the top plate and forms the floor of the building.
- Beam: Holds the different levels together and is made to accommodate heavy spans.
- Insulated Top Rail Block: Added to the top of a wall and accommodates the embossed plate.
- General Insulated Block: The main block of the build that is used most frequently. It is available in three types.
- Insulated Bottom Rail Block: Placed at the bottom of the wall on the starting plate.
- Base and Top Runner: Acts as a base for the build and connects the blocks.
- Load and Non-Load Bearing Walls: These interior walls of a wooden house are made on-site and will be used throughout the build.
You will also get screws, insulated beams, and lintels that will allow for door and window openings, and an in-depth plan step by step for the installation frame; in addition to these kinds of insulated wooden frame components that will allow you to do your project.
Thanks to the space left in the design, you can easily accommodate door and window openings. The adapted floor system and components for the construction of the roof are also included in the construction kit. This patented wooden home kit provides everything you need for the structure of your home, from the foundation to the exterior finish.
Is Gablok Available in the US?
Gablok is not widely available or established in the United States market. Gablok is a Belgian company that primarily operates in Europe, particularly in Belgium, France, and neighboring countries.
A significant growth for Gablok in the USA is expected between 2025 and 2028. The makers are optimistic about starting in one state and “gradually expanding, with a potential three-year timeline to cover the entire US due to its vast territory.
Regarding Gablok’s debut in the US, discussions are underway with a real estate developer. Initial projections suggest around a hundred new homes in the first year,” Rudy Polese, Gablok’s Head of Development.
Gablok USA Prices
Gablok blocks can still be purchased in the USA, but not through the Gablok license, as they can currently be found on eBay for around $50 per block. This price differs for the official Gabloks, with prices around $27 per square foot and $300 per square meter. A Gablok project can be up to 30 percent less expensive than any regular construction. Here is a comparison of Gablok USA prices with those of other regions of the world.
- Gablok UK, Gablok Duetshland and All Over Europe:
- In various European countries, the cost of Gablok systems tends to range between €90 to €130 per square meter for the formwork and insulation.
- This translates to roughly $100 to $145 per m2.
- Australia:
- Prices can range from AUD 150 to AUD 250 per square meter, which is approximately $100 to $170 USD.
- Canada:
- Gablok pricing in Canada often ranges from CAD 100 to CAD 200 per square meter, approximately $75 to $150 USD.
- Other Regions:
- Pricing in regions with lower construction costs may fall below these averages, while high-cost areas (like major cities) may exceed these estimates.
Estimating Gablok USA Prices
U.S. prices for building materials have been volatile, but an estimate for Gablok could be around $100 to $200 per square meter, roughly translating to $90 to $180 per square meter after accounting for local variations and specific material costs.
Gablok USA Prices Per Square Foot
To convert square meter pricing to square foot: 1 square meter = approximately 10.764 square feet.
Using the range:
- Lower Range: $90 USD per square meter ≈ $8.36 per square foot.
- Upper Range: $180 USD per square meter ≈ $16.72 per square foot.
Based on this analysis, Gablok USA prices will likely range from about $8.36 to $16.72 per square foot.
What is the Environmental Impact of the Gablok Build?
Apart from offering top-notch insulated wood blocks for DIY construction, the Gablok idea aims to be precisely aligned with today’s eco-friendly-focused world. Gablock has been designed and researched in this way to minimize adverse environmental effects and simplify the construction process.
These insulated wooden stacking blocks have been created using reusable resources. Gablok also collaborates with regional businesses in Belgium, including X-PACK in Verviers and Atelier Les Gaillettes in Liège. This combination of companies strives to be green and sustainable, which is the primary goal of creating these Gablok blocks. The hope is that these blocks will one day be used in the mainstream to help with the push for a sustainable world, which should see huge strides once they make moves in the American market for environmentally friendly homes.
The Benefits of Stacking Blocks
If you’re a fan of interlocking building block toys, you’ll appreciate how these insulated wooden blocks fit together seamlessly.
Prefabrication
Every building component of the Gablok system is factory-prefabricated, guaranteeing that every part fits together perfectly. This means that self-builders won’t have to work a lot of overtime on the job site with cutting and fitting supplies. Additionally, this can expedite the project’s shell phase considerably and lessen waste on the site.
Easy Process
The shape and size of insulated wood blocks make them lightweight and manageable, making them especially well-suited for self-construction. All building components can be delivered without the use of construction equipment. Self-builders can move forward at their own pace and save a significant amount of time that can be used for interior design elements, such as choosing furniture, appliances, and window decor like blinds.
Less Wait Time
An important factor contributing to building delays is waiting for materials to dry, particularly concrete. These delays may cause the construction timeline to be extended by weeks or even months. There’s no such issue with Gablok. These sustainable blocks require no drying time and act as self-insulators. You can nearly instantly go on to the following step after assembling them.
No Weather Impact
One of the primary reasons for construction delays can be the unpredictable nature of the weather. Days with heavy rain, wind, or temperature fluctuations may require personnel to halt their work. For the owner, this may entail additional expenses, difficulty, and stress.
The Gablok system is weather-resistant by design, as the expanded polystyrene blocks are lightweight and weather-resistant. This means that the building can proceed without any hindrance. Every home facade has a rainscreen affixed to it to increase resistance. This is a huge benefit as it cuts down on how long it takes to install your insulated structure.
No Specialised Labour
In contrast to many other systems that call for the assistance of trained experts, anyone who is driven and prepared to start building themselves can use Gablok. The instructions are straightforward and exact, and the insulated hardwood blocks are made for simple installation.
This implies that you can finish your project without having to pay for costly consultants, so you can save money on labor expenses as well as the time it takes to locate and recruit experts.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Gablok house design represents an innovative and sustainable approach to home construction. With its easy-to-assemble insulated wooden stacking blocks, this system offers numerous benefits, including quick installation, reduced waste, and weather-resistant construction.
Gablok Construction is expected to expand into the US market between 2025 and 2028, and it has the potential to revolutionize the self-build housing industry. By combining eco-friendly materials, efficient design, and simplified construction processes, Gablok addresses both environmental concerns and the rising costs of traditional home building.
This patented wooden home kit offers an efficient way to build a house, simplifying home construction and offering a simple and efficient kit house system.
FAQs
How was the Gablok system developed and validated?
Gablok developed an insulated wooden stacking system that combines principles from interlocking and construction games with expertise from the field of traditional construction. This innovative approach to home building was created in Belgium, where the first Gablok house was constructed.
The system was validated by engineering firms specializing in energy efficiency and structural integrity. This rigorous validation process ensures that the Gablok method meets or exceeds building standards while offering a unique and efficient way to construct homes.
What makes Gablok’s assembly process unique for self-build house projects?
Gablok’s assembly process is designed to be intuitive and efficient, much like construction games. The system uses insulated building blocks and formwork blocks for self-build house projects, allowing homeowners to actively participate in constructing their own homes. The assembly of the insulated components is straightforward, with each piece fitting together securely.
This process covers everything from the foundation to the frame of your future home, including the construction of the roof. Gablok sells not just materials but a comprehensive building experience that empowers individuals to create their dream homes with the finish of their choice, all while adhering to modern building standards and energy efficiency requirements.
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